Technique Returns Weekend Warriors to Normal Activity

November 27, 2007

There is an innovative technique available at New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s Independence Rehabilitation Center for those weekend warriors suffering from common injuries and conditions. This therapy, known as the Graston Technique, is a non-invasive way of diagnosing and treating conditions like tennis and golf elbow, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, back, shoulder, and knee pain.
People who experience muscle, ligament and tendon injuries often suffer from long-term pain when scar tissue develops. The scar tissue can cause stiffness and limit movement.
The Graston Technique involves massaging the problem area with specially designed stainless steel instruments. Through the procedure, therapists can identify where scar tissue has developed and then work to separate and break it down.
“The instruments amplify my touch. I can appreciate the size, depth, and location of restrictions and treat them quickly,” says Greg Kelley, PT, a physical therapist at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, “This gives me time to address secondary issues, like compensated movements, and keep my patients at their desired activity level.”
Throughout the treatment, the patient can actually feel the Technique working to undo or release the adhesions and scar tissue, leading to less pain and a faster return to normal activity. Many amateur and professional organizations, such as the Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers, use it to help players get back in the game.
“The Graston Technique gives people another option in their care,” said Kelley. “It helps them avoid invasive injections and more costly low-energy shock wave therapies. The result can be a faster, and easier, recovery.” For more information regarding the Graston Technique please call NHRMC’s Independence Rehabilitation Center at 342.3270.